The blogger lounge at the Democratic National Convention (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
This is an exciting time. Never have I seen citizen journalists given a place at a major event like the Democratic National Convention. I’m sure we’ll see the same at the Republican National Convention.
What has tickled my fancy was seeing blogger and comedian Baratunde Thurston (Jack & Jill Politiics) blogging live with his Nokia N95 on Qik. Liza Sabater of The Daily Gotham and Culture Kitchen is there as well and yes, she too is live blogging with a Nokia N95 and broadcasting live on Qik.
What this means to me is finally the corporate media will not be able to spoon feed us a bunch of crap. In fact, according to a few reports I have read recently, many media outlets either did not have the money to send a team to the convention or could only afford to seen writers but not photographers. One article on PBS, Bloggers Make Progress Covering Convention at DNC, states that for bloggers “access has been unprecedented, and relationships between the party and the bloggers who cover it are improving.”
Russian PM Vladimir Putin has accused the U.S. of orchestrating the conflict in Georgia.
Of course I thought this before Putin opened his mouth. Of course I would, I’m a cynic. There were some interesting pieces that fell into place prior to this strange war in Georgia happening. One, McCain was in dire need of a bump and since this administration has been in full tail wagging the dog mode, I expected something to create that bump.
While both Putin and Bush were at the Olympics in Beijing, Russia marched into Georgia. Interesting, Bush had very little to say on the issue while in Beijing but McCain appeared to usurp the President when he made his supposed presidential speech against Russia, even going so far as to offer suggestions. Since when do presidential candidates get to make policy statements when they do not occupy an office from which to enact these policies? Isn’t that the job of the President or, at the very least, Vice President.
Second, and equally interesting, the media went on attack of Barack Obama for not sounding presidential enough. Obama was in a damned if he did or damned if he didn’t situation. If he had done what McCain later did — and it did seem everyone was waiting for Obama to speak — he would have been viewed as usurping the President. Since he did not do what McCain later did he was viewed as weak on foreign policy. What manner of mess is this?
Much has been made of the place where Obama will speak on Thursday. Many have referred to the “Greek Temple” as the place where Obama will not only accept the nomination but he’ll also be standing as deity over a supersized Toga party. Others have accused him of holding a pagan ceremony where he will somehow call upon the Greek Gods Zeus and others to grant him a safe and steady path to the White House. Others are saying he should change this now before it’s too late because he’ll be giving the Republicans something to chew on during their convention next week. I do wonder about these pundits and their sense of history.
First, Martin Luther King, Jr. was a fan of Greek philosophers and the classics — Plato, Socrates, Sophocles, Homer, Heraclitus, Thucydides, Aristotle, Euripides and Aristophanes — and he referenced these and more in many of his speeches and sermons. In one memorable speech made on November 17, 1957, Dr. King explained how Greek “comes to our aid beautifully in giving us the real meaning and depth of the whole philosophy of love.” Dr. King talked about eros, philia and agape.
DENVER - AUGUST 27: Moe Spencer cries after the nomination of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) as the Democratic candidate for president on day three of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
A few years ago my brother and I had a conversation which took place long before Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton threw their hats in the ring as presidential candidates. During that conversation my brother said this country would elect a white woman president before they’ll elect a black man.
I hoped he didn’t really mean that but, when I thought long and hard about what he said I realized my expectations were even lower. After contemplating his words my thoughts were this country would never elect a woman – of any color – or a black man to the highest office in the country. Never.
Though we have not elected a president yet, today the delegates at the Democratic National Convention did something I never thought I’d live to see, a black man was selected as the Democratic Party nominee for president. Though I was running late for work, I stood still and silent in my living room watching the roll call. When done, tears welled in my eyes and rolled down my face before I had a chance to consider my emotions.
Is it possible we have finally arrived at a place where the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King and many others who marched with him will be realized and not deferred yet again? The answer thus far is yes. Will this dream continue to November and will we see the dream realized in January with Barack Obama taking the oath of office? Only time will tell.
I’ve heard a lot about this particular speech made prior to Hillary’s speech last night. Here, Bill Clinton talks about a “Candidate X vs. Candidate Y.” What the heck is he talking about? Is he saying Barack Obama is Candidate X — the candidate that agrees with you on everything but you don’t think that person can deliver on anything? Cannot deliver on anything. Next, is Candidate Y McCain, the one who disagrees with you on everything but you think he can deliver? Again, what is he talking about?
I feel as if I missed something, particularly the first part of this conversation. I need to find out what he was talking about in context before I make an opinion on this. For now, I don’t know what the heck he was talking about.
Oregon tooth taxi headed your way - When decay takes hold and is left untreated long enough, untreated infections in the mouth can worsen heart and respiratory conditions and autoimmune disease; increase risk of premature birth and complicate blood sugar control for diabetics. The RV will first visit communities in the Willamette Valley near Heringer's hometown of Salem. School nurses and counselors can arrange visits to their towns, and Heringer will rely on them to refer students with the most pressing dental needs, especially the uninsured and those they suspect are missing school because of mouth pain. [Read More]
Bone Marrow May Help Treat Bowel Disease -- A new study in mouse model has shown that infusions of a particular bone marrow stem cell appears to control inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital found that mesenchymal stem cells, known to control several immune system activities, allowed the regeneration of the gastrointestinal lining in mice with a genetic mutation leading to multiorgan autoimmune disease. [Read More]
Demand spurs bakery to offer gluten-free products -- After Mary Lassila was diagnosed with celiac disease - a disorder where consuming wheat, barley, rye and certain other grains results in damage to the small intestine -- she walked down a grocery store aisle and couldn't find a single food she could eat. If those with celiac disease do consume gliadin, their nutrient absorption is affected. [Read More]
High Levels Of Toxic Metals Found In Herbal Medicine Products Sold Online - Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that one fifth of both U.S.-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines purchased via the Internet contain lead, mercury or arsenic. Ayurvedic medicines are divided into two major types: herbal only and rasa shastra. Rasa shastra is an ancient practice of deliberately combining herbs with metals, minerals and gems. Ayurvedic experts in India believe that if Rasa Shastra medicines made with metals such as lead and mercury are properly prepared and administered, they will be safe and therapeutic. [Read More]
Black Raspberries Slow Cancer By Altering Hundreds Of Genes - New research strongly suggests that a mix of preventative agents, such as those found in concentrated black raspberries, may more effectively inhibit cancer development than single agents aimed at shutting down a particular gene. Researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center examined the effect of freeze-dried black raspberries on genes altered by a chemical carcinogen in an animal model of esophageal cancer. [Read More]
Drug Stops Bone Loss From Breast Cancer Chemo - Zometa (zoledronic acid) prevented bone loss at 12 months in premenopausal women undergoing chemotherapy after they had surgery for early stage breast cancer, a new study found. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured before the start of chemotherapy and again at six and 12 months. At six and 12 months, bone density was stable among patients who received zoledronic acid, but there were significant declines in spine and hip BMD among women in the placebo group. Side effects weren't significantly different between the two groups. [Read More]
Transplant from the Windy City (Chicago), to Hollyweird (Los Angeles), finally stopping in Coyoteville (Altadena) where the deer, mountain lions, coyotes and bears roam. I spent a few summers chasing pigs in Emporia, VA but that's another story requiring I tell you about the quick-footed sow. Basically, I'm a photographer, hiker, lover of nature, people watcher, loner but loves talking with real people, tech nut, speaks fluent legal-eze, butcher of the French language, observer, not much into social networking or email but I'll make an attempt, a lovable cynic and oh I have lupus, lupus does not have me. Yeah, I have an iPhone, what of it?
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